Candace Derksen

Pembina Valley RCMP is investigating after an early Monday morning break, enter and theft at the Roseisle Community Grocery Co-op.
    
According to authorities, the call came in at 5:20 a.m. and, upon further investigation, confirmed someone entered the store by forcing open the front door. Once inside, police say the culprits stole several bottles of liquor and lighters before leaving in a small grey-coloured car.

It was an evening of elegance and celebration last night as the Altona & District Chamber of Commerce shone a spotlight on a group of local businesses, business owners and organizations making a difference in the community. Four such entities were presented with the Chamber's annual awards at the gala event, held at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre.

The Town of Altona is getting some help from the Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) to pay for a project that should help alleviate pressure on its wastewater system during high-volume situations, like heavy rains. 

Friesens Corporation is being singled-out by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

The Altona-based book manufacturer will receive one of the organization's 2025 Future Champion Awards at a reception in Winnipeg in May. 

Nominated by their peers in Manitoba’s business community, the awards are handed out to those that use their influence to drive social and economic innovation with impact, innovation and heart.

"Awards like this make you pause." 

That's the initial thought shared by Valley Fiber in a statement submitted to PembinaValleyOnline after it was announced that the company would be receiving one of the Future Champion awards being handed out by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce this year. 

We've got a few more details on Wednesday afternoon's crash west of Plum Coulee.
    
According to information from Pembina Valley RCMP, officers were alerted to the situation by a cellphone crash notification.

Altona police officers have been responding to an increase in mental health calls in recent years.

Just this past week, noted Police Chief Dan Defer, members spent around 70 hours on three such calls for service. 
    
He believes the reason for the increase is two-fold.

"A lot of it will have to do, of course, with the increase in substance abuse. But I think it's (also) becoming less stigmatized, so maybe people are a little more comfortable is coming out with issues and problems that they're dealing with.

Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services were called to a grass fire late Wednesday afternoon.
    
According to Fire Chief Greg Zimmerman, the incident occurred at a rural home in Neubergthal. No structures were damaged.
    
Three trucks and 18 members responded to the incident

Four people were brought to hospital following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 14, west of Plum Coulee, Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency crews, including the Plum Coulee Fire Department, were called to the scene, at Road 15W, around 5:50 p.m. STARS Air Ambulance was also called in, landing on the highway. 

The results are in, and 68% of the people who responded to the Town of Altona's Big Easel Restoration survey believe the towering steel structure should remain a landmark in the community.

46% of those believe it is very important the towering steel structure should remain a landmark in the community, and 22% feel it is somewhat important.